Symbolism in "A Rose for Emily"

Summary: Essay discusses the presence of symbolism in "A Rose for Emily."

During the course of humanity there has always been significant change that occurs rapidly or over centuries. When there is a change though, there are people who have a hard time letting go of memories and old traditions they once held so close. The idea of this is shown quite clearly in the short story, "A Rose for Emily," buy William Faulkner. The main character of the story, Miss Emily, is an excellent example of power and old traditions that have to change with the world. Miss Emily is a symbolic representation of the old south in the story, and her refusal to change for the future proves to be her, and her traditions downfall.

In the story Miss Emily and her house are the last relics of a once thriving old south. They both represented the old south traditions of slavery, class distinction...